Irrespective of opposing positions, The Grenada Ports Authority needs to get back to work and the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union needs to call off their strike, immediately.
The GPA provides an “Essential Service” to our nation and our entire economy as a whole. With about 80% of our economy dependent upon imports, a withholding of labour, is essentially, a crippling of economic activity in our country. All businesses from big to small are held to ransom at the moment.
Traffickers have been crying out, delivery of fuel for electricity is delayed, food is expiring, and businesses cannot get their goods. The Interests of a few cannot come at the expense of the majority.
The Chamber notes the statement of the GPA, that the “GPA action is consistent with the articles, procedures and principles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement”. The GCIC understands that the employee was terminated on Friday, November 11th and strike action was taken on Monday morning, November 14th; raising serious questions as to whether “due process” was followed, before embarking on strike action.
We urge The Union representing the GPA workers to make every effort to have the situation resolved, taking into consideration that their action is hurting the people and economy of Grenada.
Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC)